Prevention and management of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and calcium and vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy

Background

Hypertension in pregnancy remains an important cause of maternal deaths around the world. Most of these deaths are related to eclampsia, a condition that can be prevented. In this context, nutritional supplements have been linked to pregnancy outcomes for a long time. Currently, two supplements, namely Vitamin D and calcium have high relevance for the international public health community.

This guideline will address these current controversies as well as other nutritional interventions such as antioxidant vitamins. Evidence-informed guidelines are an essential component of implementing effective, life-saving interventions for preventing preeclampsia and eclampsia. This meeting organized collaboratively by the departments of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR), Making Pregnancy Safer (MPS) and Nutrition for Health and Development (NHD) aims to develop and update evidence-informed recommendations on priority interventions for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia/eclampsia and improving maternal health.

Objectives

To review the evidence on interventions for the prevention and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia and for calcium and vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy;

To develop recommendations for the prevention and management of preeclampsia/eclampsia and calcium and vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy;

To identify gaps in knowledge and prioritize areas for further research.

Expected outcomes

Recommendations on evidence based interventions for prevention and management of preeclampsia and eclampsia.